AWB's cross-state series of regional meetings, which wrapped up Thursday in Bellevue, were the best attended in years. In some places the venues ran out of chairs for participants. AWB members also interviewed 59 candidates who are running to serve in the Legislature.

Attendees touched on several common themes, such as the importance of a predictable and reliable cost and regulatory environment, and the need for a real transportation solution.

The biggest discussion point, said AWB President Kris Johnson: We need more ideas and solutions to tackle the big challenges we face as a state.

By Melanie Wood, former Dick's crew member who went on to work at Verizon Wireless, Hewlett-Packard, Micro K12 and Microsoft

I have always admired Dick's Drive-In for strong involvement with the United Way, the scholarship program, celebrating with high school and college grads, and all that is achieved in the community.

High standards of integrity and strong work-ethic were my greatest takeaways from my time with the Drive-In, but it was also my first exposure to being part of team, as well as seeing what happens when an organization keeps focus on these community objectives.